On Friday, Stephen Pinkos, the Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the USPTO, spoke in New York about the growth of the economy and intellectual property theft. Speaking in front of a group of ConMed Corporation employees, Mr. Pinkos complimented the innovations of that company, but warned that "[p]rotecting intellectual property against piracy and counterfeiting is a key part of economic growth." It is noted by the USPTO that New York’s exports to China have increased significantly over the last few years, topping the $2 billion mark last year. As you may know, the Strategy Targeting Organized Piracy (STOP!) initiative by the federal government is focused on helping businesses enforce their domestic intellectual property rights and to stop the importation and trade of counterfeit goods. ConMed Corporation, according to its website, is "a global medical technology company that specializes in the development and sale of products and services" that provides products to physicians to assist with their patient care. According to the Utica, NY, Observer-Dispatch, ConMed Corporation has a total of 600 pending and issued patents in the United States.

USPTO News Release: LINK
ConMed Website: LINK
uticaOD.com Article: LINK
Strategy Targeting Organized Piracy (STOP!) Website: LINK